Courses Bachelor

Course

Subject

Hours

1133

Introductory Sociology (TCCNS = SOCL 1301)

A general survey course introducing students to the field of sociology. Emphasis is on people as products of groups, social interaction, and social forces. Topics covered include marriage and family, deviance, social class, minority relations, and collective behavior with an effort toward helping students understand the social world and their roles in it. May be counted toward degree requirements for sociology or social work, but not both.

3(3-0)

2233

Social Problems (TCCNS = SOCL 1306)

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 1133 or Consent of instructor.

Issues such as poverty, social class, race, family, and aging are examined to determine causes and possible solutions.

3(3-0)

3023

Human Sexuality

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 1133

For course description see psychology section. May be taken for either psychology or sociology credit, but not for both.

3(3-0)

3333

Criminology

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 1133 or Consent of instructor.

An in-depth study of crime in the United States with an emphasis on major types of crime and factors in causation.

3(3-0)

3353

Total Institutions

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 1133, 3333 or 3733 or Consent of instructor.

A study of total institutions with a primary focus on contemporary American prisons. The historical development of total institutions and the major problems inherent in such institutions are examined in detail.

3(3-0)

3403

Social Psychology

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 1133

For course description see psychology section. May be taken for either psychology or sociology credit, but not for both.

3(3-0)

3433

The Family

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 1133 or Consent of instructor.

A broad conceptual analysis of the American family, with some cross-cultural comparisons. Specific areas covered include sexual norms, sex roles, gender issues, dating and courtship patterns, mate selection, family formation, marital adjustment, family dissolution as well as an analysis of major historical changes and trends.

An introduction to methods and techniques of sociological research; examination and application of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection through selected research programs.

3(3-0)

3733

Juvenile Delinquency

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 1133 or Consent of instructor.

May also be taken for criminal justice credit. Nature, extent, and causes of juvenile delinquency: youthful offenders and their career patterns, institutional controls and correctional programs.

3(3-0)

3783

Population and World Cultures

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 1133, 2233, or Consent of instructor.

An examination of global population issues within the context of specific world cultures including the Middle East, the Pacific Rim, Asia, and Latin America.

3(3-0)

3803

Medical Sociology

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 1133 or Consent of instructor.

Social factors and institutional settings for physical and mental health care; public needs and group medical services; women’s health issues; social interaction in hospitalization and institutions of rehabilitation.

3(3-0)

4001

Special Projects

Prerequisite(s): 9 hours of sociology including SOCL 1133 and Consent of instructor.

Intensive study for the advanced student within a special area in the field of sociology. May be repeated for credit for a different area of study.

1(0-0)

4003

Special Projects

Prerequisite(s): 9 hours of sociology including SOCL 1133 and Consent of instructor.

Intensive study for the advanced student within a special area in the field of sociology. May be repeated for credit for a different area of study.

3(0-0)

4133

Racial and Ethnic Relations

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 1133, 2233, or Consent of instructor.

Critical analysis of some of the major issues on race in U.S. society (and across the world). Emphasis is placed on the theory of racial and ethnic adaptation patterns. We will develop a historical understanding and apply it to contemporary U.S. race relations. What does it mean to be Black, White, Latino, Asian, or mixed? What do these categories mean?

3(3-0)

4153

Sociological Theory

Prerequisite(s): 9 hours of sociology or Consent of instructor.

A survey and analysis of development of sociological theory from the time of Comte to the present. Particular schools and major paradigms are evaluated, and recent confluences in social anthropology, sociology, and social psychology are noted.

3(3-0)

4353

The Sociology of Death and Dying

Prerequisite(s): 9 hours of sociology or Consent of instructor.

An analysis of the social context of death and dying in American society. The impact of death on children, the family, and survivors is examined. Additional emphasis on the role of hospice as well as legal, moral, and medical ethics are included.

3(3-0)

4413

Deviance

Prerequisite(s): SOCL1133, 2233 or Consent of instructor.

Understanding the occurrence of and reaction to deviant behaviour in society. This course is a detailed review of the various forms of behaviour which are often considered “deviant” in western society using various theoretical explanations. Some topics include: white collar and corporate crime, drug addiction, alcoholism, suicide, and sexual deviance.

3(3-0)

4543

Aging

Prerequisite(s): 9 hours of sociology or Consent of instructor.

The emergence of aging as a problem in industrial societies. Analysis of specific problems and programs relating to older persons in American society.

3(3-0)

4633

The Sociology of Family Violence

Prerequisite(s): 9 hours of sociology or Consent of instructor.

An examination of the various forms of family violence including child, sibling, courtship, marital, and elder abuse. Specific theoretical models explaining family violence will be examined along with the societal characteristics associated with violent situations and the various therapeutic approaches and current treatment programs available.

3(3-0)

4733

Selected Topics in Sociology

Prerequisite(s): 9 hours of sociology or Consent of instructor.

Intensive study and coverage of selected topics in sociology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

3(3-0)

4773

Internship in Sociology

Prerequisite(s): 9 hours of sociology, majors or minors in sociology, or Consent of instructor.

Field experience in selected agencies. May be repeated one time.

3(3-0)

4803

Applied Sociology

Prerequisite(s): 9 hours of sociology or Consent of instructor.

This course is designed to incorporate previous course work within the discipline to facilitate a student’s ability to apply sociology and sociological concepts to problem solving in the world of business and professional organizations. Students who are considering a career of professional development can explore the problem-solving skills necessary to the understanding of how issues that confront staff development such as race, social class, gender, and family impact the work environment.

3(3-0)

4883

British Culture and Society

Prerequisite(s): 3 hours of sociology and Consent of instructor.

This class is part of MSU’s study abroad program offered during the second summer term. This class compares major institutions within Great Britain and the United States. Institutional issues surrounding the family, government, religion, poverty, education, and sport will provide the context by which students can examine modern living in the U. K. as well as the U.S.

3(3-0)

4893

British Culture and Society

Prerequisite(s): 3 hours of sociology and Consent of instructor.

This class is part of MSU’s study abroad program offered during the second summer term. This class compares major institutions within Great Britain and the United States. Institutional issues surrounding the family, government, religion, poverty, education, and sport will provide the context by which students can examine modern living in the U. K. as well as the U.S.